Veterans Day is about commemorating the service of all U.S. Veterans. It differs from Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifice of those who died in service, but rather celebrates the dedication and honor of all service men and women.

So what is a veteran?

There is no common definition to be found between offices of the government, organizations, and especially the individuals who often answer to this name.

It’s most commonly used for those who served in the military and have since left, or retired, but Veterans Day is about those who are STILL sacrificing too.

Veterans themselves do not take the word lightly. Some will not call themselves a veteran until they have served in an actual combat zone. The private regulations on what constitutes that status are many and varied.

Not serving in a combat zone, however, does not mean a veteran has not served their country. Take, for example, the doctors at Brooks Army Burn Center, who treat some of the worst burn cases in the country for both military and civilians. There are many service members, and their families, who sacrifice every day without leaving the country.

It’s really something we must each define in our hearts, but whatever your standing definition of a veteran is, one fact is very clear. The service men and women, past and present, of this nation sacrifice personal safety, time with their families, and many of their own freedoms in order to protect our country. This dedication is to be celebrated and honored, but never forgotten, on Veterans Day or any other. It is only through constant vigilance that our nation can remain a great one.

In the words of Ronald Reagan:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.”

Zoe Kahn

Zoe is a Marketing Student Worker at UCA’s Office of Outreach & Community Engagement. Zoe studies Public Relations at UCA. She is also a military spouse and is on the UCA Veterans Day Planning Committee. For information on the Veterans Day Celebration you can go to uca.edu/outreach/veteransday/.

You have an event you want to have, chosen a date, now what about a venue? There are so many options these days, from conference centers, hotels, to outdoor venues. It really all depends on what type of event you will have, but below are some major factors to think about when picking a location.

Size
The number one factor is the size of the location and the number of people you expect to have at your event. If you have 15 attendees, then you will not want a huge banquet hall. If you are expecting 500 people, then you will definitely need a large facility.

Catering
If you plan on having catering at an event, you should find out whether a venue has an on-site caterer or if all catering must be done through an outside vendor. Before choosing a venue, consider which option is more convenient for you.

Budget
Before looking at venues, set up a budget of what you can afford. There are different price ranges depending on the location. If you have a price point set up ahead of time, you will automatically narrow down your selection. When compiling a budget, consider fees such as rental, service, audio/visual, catering, decorations as well as the cost of additional vendors, entertainment or presenters.

Venue Location
Location of a venue is a big factor. It needs to be easy for attendees to find and be sure that there is enough parking for your guests. If you are not providing catering for your event, then consider the proximity to restaurants.

Atmosphere
Are you looking for a professional environment? A casual environment? Or perhaps a party environment? Each event venue has its own atmosphere, so be sure to pick the right one for your event. Also, pick a location where the staff is friendly and readily available to assist you.

Special Needs
If you need any audio/visual equipment, be sure that the venue has any of these available, and if that is an additional cost. If you will have attendees register, be sure that the location has a registration area large enough to accommodate your needs.

Ultimately, choose a venue that fits all of your needs. Every event is different, as is every location. Good luck on your event planning experience!

Courtney Schurtz

Courtney is a full time event planning professional at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas. Courtney also has a degree in Public Relations. Courtney assists clients plan their entire events and provides on-site event management. For more information, and to contact Courtney, visit www.uca.edu/bhcc or email cschurtz@uca.edu

Call for Outreach Community Education Instructors!
Community Education is always looking for individuals with a desire to share their skills and knowledge with the community.
Maybe you’re an expert in wedding planning, buying a car, or cutting grocery bills. Perhaps you could give a presentation on the latest in social media, 101 ways to use Google Apps, or anything else you feel the world needs to know!

If you feel you have something of interest to share, consider becoming a community education instructor.
You don’t need a teaching degree, just a passion to share knowledge with others!Sound interesting? Learn More!

Community education courses are rewarding experiences for the instructors and students.

To get started, visit the Community Education site and submit the course proposal form.

Our staff will help walk you through the process of creating your course. For questions, call Lawana Hawkins at 501.450.5811 or email lhawkins@uca.edu

The University of Central Arkansas and the City of Conway are presenting the 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on November 9, 2012. The event will be held at the UCA Practice Field next to Estes Stadium.

The event promises to be spectacular complete with entertainment, vendors and free food! The Red Cross and Be the Match Marrow Donor Program will be on site to for those community members wishing to honor our veterans by participating.

The Guest Speaker will be Major General William D. Wofford, the Adjunct General, Arkansas National Guard and member of the Governor’s Cabinet. Major General Wofford is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal. Miss Arkansas 2010, Alyse Eady, will be performing the National Anthem. Eady is an anchor on Today’s THV This Morning.

Mayor Tab Townsell will provide a proclamation during the ceremony.

The Veterans Day is working to make the ceremony and event an success. Currently, the committee is accepting sponsorship applications for those individuals and businesses wishing to become a part of this event honoring our men and women in the armed services should contact Shaneil Ealy at sealy@uca.edu or 501.450.5376.

For more information on the Veterans Day celebration as it comes available, please visit uca.edu/veteransday